The career path to becoming a firefighter lieutenant includes several years of firefighting experience and a comprehensive understanding of emergency management and administrative procedures. It is a highly demanding job that often involves supervising one or more fire companies and making command decisions at the scene of an emergency. Competition for lieutenant jobs can be fierce. Applicants are selected based on a number of factors including their performance on written and oral exams. To become a firefighter lieutenant, enhance your qualifications by preparing well in advance.

The career path to becoming a firefighter lieutenant includes several years of firefighting experience and a comprehensive understanding of emergency management and administrative procedures. It is a highly demanding job that often involves supervising one or more fire companies and making command decisions at the scene of an emergency. Competition for lieutenant jobs can be fierce. Applicants are selected based on a number of factors including their performance on written and oral exams. To become a firefighter lieutenant, enhance your qualifications by preparing well in advance.

Assess your career objectives and qualifications as a firefighter to determine if they are consistent with the position of lieutenant. Ask if your fellow firefighters see you in a leadership role and whether you would excel in a management position. Maintain a spotless record and demonstrate initiative as you approach your day-to-day duties as a firefighter. Learn as much as you can about the science of firefighting and the skills needed to be an effective manager.

Familiarize yourself with the procedures and creteria used to promote firefighters to the position of lieutenant. These can vary depending on the size and location of the fire department. Usually at least four to seven years of experience as a firefighter is required, as well as secondary education in an appropriate field. Find out the annual deadline for applications and the timetable for the testing process. Discuss the position with an active lieutenant to better anticipate test questions and other requirements.

Enhance your candidacy with accreditation and certifications that reflect advanced skills. In many instances, they may be required to apply for a lieutenant position. The National Fire Protection Association, for example, offers advanced firefighter certifications based on course work and fire simulation drills. An Emergency Medical Technician's paramedic certification is also required to be considered for promotion in many departments. A promotion also requires classroom study and an exam administered by the state in which you are employed.

Seek out preparatory classes and other coursework focused on fire department operations and management. Look for classes that offer practice exams and other exercises that reflect the application process. For example, be prepared to discuss tactical scene scenarios during a mock oral interview along with other practice questions. In preparation, ask if your department offers workshops or seminars for firefighters interested in advancement.

Apply for a promotion to lieutenant after gaining a thorough understanding of the demands of the job and how your department selects candidates. Be prepared for an extensive exam that addresses all aspects of firefighting, including personnel issues, community relations, fire prevention and arson investigations. There will likely be a physical and mental test as well. Typically, only a select few who achieve the highest scores are offered the position and many candidates undergo the test process several times before successfully becoming a lieutenant.

Tip

If advancement to lieutenant seems unobtainable, consider transferring to another department.

Further your skills through public speaking and management classes.

Use your down time in the fire station to study material related to the position of lieutenant.

Tip

Any blemish on your record can hinder your chances.

2016 Salary Information for Firefighters

Firefighters earned a median annual salary of $48,030 in 2016, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. On the low end, firefighters earned a 25th percentile salary of $32,670, meaning 75 percent earned more than this amount. The 75th percentile salary is $64,870, meaning 25 percent earn more. In 2016, 327,300 people were employed in the U.S. as firefighters.

Tips

If advancement to lieutenant seems unobtainable, consider transferring to another department.

Further your skills through public speaking and management classes.

Use your down time in the fire station to study material related to the position of lieutenant.

About the Author

Al Stewart's 30-year background as a writer/editor includes staff positions at "Adweek," "Billboard," "Chain Drug Review," "Cable World," "DNR" (men's fashion), "National Floor Trends," and "Variety." A native New Yorker, he is now a writer/editor living in Los Angeles. He has a BA in political science from Wagner College.